Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 21 - Verse 18

This verse from the Bible, found in 2 Chronicles 21:18-19, tells the story of how the Lord inflicted King Jehoram with a severe bowel disease as punishment for his wicked actions. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences that can come from straying from the path of righteousness and disobeying God's commands. In this specific instance, King Jehoram had turned away from the ways of the Lord and led the people of Judah astray, worshipping false gods and committing evil deeds. As a result, he faced the wrath of God in the form of an incurable disease that caused great suffering. This verse underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God and following his teachings to avoid facing similar punishment. It serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of sin and the importance of living a virtuous life in accordance with God's will.

When exploring the theological interpretation of the verse, "And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease," it is important to consider the context in which the event occurred. This verse is found in the story of King Hezekiah from the book of 2 Chronicles. Hezekiah was a righteous king who followed God's commands, yet he became prideful and showed off the treasures of his kingdom to envoys from Babylon. As a result, God sent a prophet to inform Hezekiah that his actions would have serious consequences. The specific mention of the bowels in this verse may symbolize the innermost parts of Hezekiah's being, highlighting the severity of the disease that God inflicted upon him. The term "incurable disease" signals the divine judgment and the inevitability of the consequence. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining humble and obedient to God's will, as well as the consequences of straying from it.